Can filling machine



Aug. 8, 1944. J. D. LE FRANK CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed Sept. 4, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. 42 56M BYJWQ. 0Z9.

A? yaw AT TOENEYS Aug. 8, 1944.

J. D. LE FRANK CAN FILLING MACHINE S Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 4, 1941 \N 3 Q R M Q E 2 Q Q QX Q M Q 3 m II I... Q W 2 & t 0 Q M N & .5 2 EL R g n Q ww 0 M mt .QE w/ 4+ ML \Vwmw 3 M 0 0 g & w MN Q Q @NN R 5 Q MN wmm INVENTOR.

BYOLM a W ATT E'NEYs 1944- J. D. LE FRANK ,3 ,0

CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed Sept. 4, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENT OR.

ATTORNEYS Aug. 8, 1944- J. D. LE FRANK CAN FILLING MACHINE Filed Sept. 4, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Aug. 8, 1944.

J. D. LE FRANK CAN FILLING MACHINE- Filed Sept. 4, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Aug. 8, 1944 CAN FILLING MACHINE John D. Le Frank, Maplewood, N. J., assignor to American Can Company, New York, N. Y., a

corporation of New Jersey Application September 4, 1941, Serial No. 409,578

11 Claims.

This invention relates to a machine for filling cans with measured quantities of liquid milk and is particularly adapted to the filling of milk into fibre containers, the machine being of a portable nature best adapted for the use of small canneries and packers who require only semiautomatic filling machinery of only limited capacity.

The machine embodying the present invention comprises broadly a supporting frame having an easily removable milk supply reservoir or tank and having measuring devices located beneath the tank. Provision is also mad for supporting fibre milk cans in position for filling, the measured charge of milk being discharged into the can in a semi-automatic cycle of operation.

The present machine preferably also comprises a support for receiving thev filled can and for holding it in position so that a hinge and plug type of closure secured to the top of the fibre milk can may be sealed in position for closing the filled can.

The filling and measuring device of the present invention is adjustable so that by a simple adjusting operation the measuring device can be set to fill a quart, a pint and a half-pint or other desired quantity of milk into a can of corresponding capacity. The containers are placed by hand into the machine and on the support platform and the act of positioning the container sets in motion the necessary mechanism for its fillin operation.

An object of the invention is the provision of a portable machine for accurately filling measured quantities of milk into positioned containers.

It is also an object of the invention to provide such a machine which is operated through the medium of a constantly rotating motor and which has means for holding the filling mechanism out of operation until a container has been properly placed on the filling platform of the machine.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a portable machine for filling liquid into a positioned container, the filling and measuring elements being easily adjusted to provide for different filling capacities.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a machine of the character described of a single valve of the rotary type which in one position permits the liquid to fiow into the measuring chamber and in another position permits discharge of the liquid into a container being Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation with parts broken away of a machine embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional plan view taken approxigiiabily along the broken section line 2--2 of Fig. 3 is a, composite sectional view and front elevation as viewed substantially along the broken line 3-4 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged plan detail of the adjustment features for adjusting the size of the filling chamber;

Fig. 5 is a similar view of the opposite end of the machine and illustrating mechanism related to the discharge of the liquid into the container;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 3, but on a larger scale, of the upper part of the machine and showing particularly the filling of a container;

Fig. 'l is a detail view similar to Fig. 5 but with the parts in a difierent position;

Fig. 8 is a detail view of one end of the valve as viewed from the leftinFig. 6;

- Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 99 in Fig. 1 and this shows the details of the driving mechanism; and

Figs. 10 and 11 are enlarged detail views of a control rod which is associated with the setting of" the filling mechanism, Fig. 10 being viewed along a section line Ill-40 in Fig. 9 and Fig. 11 being an elevation taken at right angles.

A portable machine for filling and closing container A and embodying the present invention is illustrated in the drawings and comprises a housing frame 2| (Figs. 1 and 3) which is mounted upon front legs 22 and a rear leg 23 (see also Fig. 2). The housing 2| is provided with inclined support arms 24 on which is mounted a liquid supply or reservoir tank 25.

The housing frame 2| at the front of the machine and over the front legs 22, supports a cylindrical valve casing or cylinder 26 which carries the filling mechanism of the machine, and which casing or cylinder encloses a measurin chamber. This casing 26 is extended at the top into a stem 21 which is adapted to engag a depending stem 28 formed on the reservoir tank 25. The upper surface of the stem 21 is concave as' at 29 to provide a close contact fit for a convex surface formed on the bottom of the tank stem 28.

To provide for quick assembly of the cylindrical casing 26 with the housing 2|, the latter is formed with a semi-circular saddle (Fig. 1) which is of a dimension on its inside curved surface, to fit the outside surface of the cylindrical casing 26. This saddle 35 has an opening 36 at its center and an annular rim 31 is formed in the saddle wall and surrounds this opening.

The cylindrical casing 26 is provided with a nozzle section 38 which is adapted to be passed down through the opening 36 in the housing section when the cylindrical casing is inserted into supported position. Nozzle section 38 of the casing is surrounded by a groove 39 in which the rim part 31 fits. This centers the cylindrical casing in its proper position.

When the cylindrical casing has been properly seated within the saddle 35, its stem 21 is vertically disposed. At this time the reservoir tank 25 may be slid along its supporting arms 24 so that the lower convex surface of the tank I stem 28 is brought into close engagement with the concave surface 29 of the cylindrical casing.

When in this position the two stem members 21, 28 are locked together by a locking ring 4|' which is formed with interrupted thread parts for engagement of both stems when the collar is turned into locking position.' Since the cylindrical casing 26 carries most of the filling mechanism, this construction provides for easy and accurate location of the filling mechanism relative to the rest of the machine as will be understood more clearly as the description proceeds.

This allows for removal of the filling parts for cleaning and in a similar manner the reservoir tank 25 is also quickly removed from the rest of the machine. These parts can be dismantled and cleaned in a liquid bath or in any desired manner as often as necessary. The tank and the cylindrical casing and parts carried thereby constitute all of the mechanism which comes into contact with the filling liquid and, as will be hereinafter more fully explained, this removal of the filling parts in no way interferes with the other parts of the machine.

Directly beneath the cylindrical casing 26 when it is in position within the machine, is a can support platform (Figs. 1 and 3) for the can A. A fibre milk can is shown by way of illustration. This platform 45 is formed with a hollow depending sleeve section 46 which is supported on a spring 41 located in the hollow sleeve part of the platform. This platform 45 or support is one of two platforms arranged side by side. The second platform, designated by the numeral 5|, is in the same horizontal plane with the platform 45 and is formed with a hollow sleeve section 52 which rests upon an enclosed spring 53.

This arrangement of platforms permits filling of the container with liquid while it is carried on the platform 45 following which the filled container need only be moved sidewise onto the adjoining platform 5| so that the following step of closing the filled container can be carried out. This will be more readily understood following a more detailed description of the mechanism which will now be given.

Both platforms 45 and 5| are carried upon a removable mounting unit 55. Such a unit is made removable to adapt the machine quickly to a can having a different height. In the drawing there is disclosed a unit which is adapted for supporting the platforms in three different positions to allow for filling and closing cans of the quart, pint and half-pint sizes.

Support unit 55 comprises a supporting frame ll (Figs. 1, 2 and 3) which at the rear, as at 12, is formed with a fiat surface. Such a surface is placed against a flat surface plate 13 which is an integral part of and which extends forward a slight distance from the frame housing 2|. Such a plate is formed with oppositely disposed lugs 14, there being one pair of oppositely disposed lugs for each horizontal position of the support unit 55.

When the support unit 55 is to be placed into the desired horizontal position two hooks 15 formed one on each side at the top of the frame H are placed just above the two oppositely disposed lugs 14 which correspond to the particular height desired. The unit is then dropped down with the hooks in engagement with the lugs. The half pint size of container being the shortest in height is located at the highest position. In arranging this support unit for this container, therefore, the hooks are placed above the upper lugs 14. In like manner the pint size being of intermediate height the unit wil' be positioned on the intermediate lugs. The quart size which has the greatest container height has the support hooks 15 engaged over the lowermost lugs 14, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

When the support unit has been brought into position with its hooks extending over the proper lugs, it is locked in this position. For this purpose a pivot key 16 (see Fig. 2) is provided on the top of the frame part II adjacent its vertical surface 12. This key is adapted to be swung into locking position within one of three slots I1 (Fig. 3). There is a slot 11 for each desired position, each slot being disposed within the plate 13 intermediate its corresponding set of lugs 14.

The frame H of the support unit 55 is formed with a pair of bearings which provide a support for a horizontally disposed shaft 19. Frame II extends down and away from the connection with the housing 2| as a pair of parallel arms 8|. Each arm 8| extends forward to a position beyond the center of the cylindrical casing 26.

The arm 8| on the side of the machine where the platform 45 is located, extends through the lower end of the sleeve 46 as a support section 82. This section extends further forward in a hand grip 83. The section 82 (Fig. 3) provides a support for the spring 4] and through it a support for the platform 45. Section 82 carries a pin 84 which slides in vertical slots 85 cut on the inside of the sleeve section 46. This construction prevents dislocation .of the platform from its spring held support and at the same time allows compression of the spring for a purpose which will hereinafter be more fully described.

The second arm 8| which extends below the platform 5| provides a support therefor in a supporting section 92. This section extends forward in a hand grip 93. Section 82 passes through a slotted lower end of the sleeve 52 and carries the spring 53. The section 92 also carries a pin 94 which slides in vertical slots 95 cut on the inner surface of the sleeve 52. 4

From the foregoing description it now will be evident that both platforms 45 and 5| are supported in the san... f xible or yielding manner in the supporting unit 55. The hand grips 83, 93 of such a unit provide convenient means for removing the support unit 55 and for placing it in proper position.

Provision is made for manually depressing both platforms 45 and when desired or the platform 5| may be independently depressed. vIn addition to this manual operation both platforms may v be depressed automatically at the termination of the filling operation. Thiswill now be more fully described.

A bell crank lever 98 (Figs. l, 2, and 3) is pivotally mounted on the'cross shaft". This bell crank extends forward in a horizontal bifurcated lever arm- 89 where it passes on-two sides of the platform stem 46. 'In front of the stem the bifurcated section merges into a'handle I III. A pair of axially aligned pins I02 are -carried on opposite sides of the sleeve 46 and these project outwardly into slots I03 formed in the lever parts 99. It will now be evident (Figs. 1 and 2) that when the handle IIII is depressed and the bell crank lever 98 is rocked on the shaft I9 the sleeve 46 and its platform will be 'low-' ered. This constitutes manual depression'of the platform.

The bell crank lever 88 is also provided with an arm I05 (see also Figsez'an'd 3) which extends alongside of the plate I2. The upper'e'n'd' of this arm is adapted to restgagainst a cam plate I 86 which is carried on the forward endof a horizontally disposed rod IIII journaled inbearings formed in lugs I 08, constituting an integral part of the frame housing 2I. The rod-I01 is adapted to be slid in and .outunder' ca'm action which will be more fully explained-hereinafter.

In a similar manner the platform 5| is also adapted for manual as well as automatic depression. For this purpose there is provided a bifurcated bell crank lever III (Figs. 2 -and 3) which is pivotally mounted at the opposite end of the shaft 19 from the bell crank lever- 88. Parallel walls of the bifurcated section of'this lever pass on opposite sides of the platform sleeve 52. These wall sections are also slotted as at H2 and a pair of axially aligned p ns II3 secured In' the platform sleeve extends out into the slots. The bifurcated lever III at the front merges into a handle H6 which is located alongside the handle IN. This provides for manual depression of the platform 6|.

The automatic lowering of-the platform 5| is effected by the same cam control actuation of the bell crank lever 98 for the platform"; For this purpose the lever" is formed with a horizontally disposed projection H6 which extends over toward the bell crank lever II I. This latter lever is provided with a shelf III against which the projection II6 strikes when the bell crank lever 98 is depressed, either manually as through the handle IIII or automatically when the" bell crank lever 98 is rocked on its suppor By reason of this construction. it is possible to depress the platform 5I to remove a filled and sealed can without lowering platform'. thus permitting continued filling action .on the can supported on platform 45. On the other hand. when the platform 45 is depressed,- which is not done until completion of the filling operation, the platform 5| is simultaneously lowered; The advantages of such independent and interconnected operation will beevident.

As long asthe machine is in operation, certain parts of the machine are continuously actuated. The filling mechanism, however, remains inoperative until a container A has been placedl'ln proper position on the platform 45 for filling. This actuation feature and its dependence on the continuously moving parts will be considered after the measuring chamber and the actual mechanics of filling has been described.

The cylindrical casing 28 is open at both ends. I

The lug I2! is arcuate in form and its outer wall is Just outside of the periphery of the valve member (see also Figs. 3 and 5). This lug is slotted as at I28, the slot being formed in the peripheral surface of the lug. Such a slot is offset and provides for slight longitudinal movement of the valve member I2I during the filling operation. Such valve actuation will be described later.

IA support bar I3I is formed to encircle the stem '21. of' the cylindrical casing in a bearing hub I22 and this provides for holding the bar in stationary position. The bar I3I extends forward over the lug I21 and carries a vertically disposed pin I" which projects downwardly into the slot I28 formed in the lug I21.

By reason of the offset contour of the slot I28, rotation of the valve-member I2I hereinafter described causes the lug-and its groove to travel along the end of the bar. As the slot I28 traverses the stationary pin I83 during such rotationthe valve member is shifted longitudinally. This opens the filling chamber I24 to the liquid within the reservoir tank 25.

The filling chamber I 24 is closed at the end opposite the web I22 by a displacement cylinder "I which has an outside diameter of a dimension to provide a liquid tight fit within one end of the cylindrical casing 26 (see Fig. 6). This displacement member also extends inside the valve on the smaller sizes of filling-chamber, there being-clearance between cylinder and valve, as best illustrated in Fig. 3. s

Such a displacement cylinder tf'ocks off one end of the filling chamber and is adapted to be placed in a difierent position longitudinally of and on an axis with the valve member I2I. The position of the displacement cylinder I4I relative to the web I22 of the valve member determines the capacity of the valve filling chamber. Figure 6 illustrates the displacement cylinder I at a relatively great or maximum distance from the web which is the position for measuring the contents in thevalve filling chamber which will fill a quart can A, this being the largest size given.

Fig. 3 illustrates the opposite extreme position of the displacement cylinder, this being the position for filling the smallest size or half-pint container A. The end wall of the displacement cylinder is relatively close to the web wall I 22 of the valve member in such position.

Provision is made for easily obtaining the different positions of the displacement cylinder to provide for the particular volume of fill desired. The outer end of the displacement cylinder is formed with an extended end flange I42. The bar "I is extended beyond its hub connection I32 in an arm I48 which provides a support for a number of locking lugs I44 formed on the bar. There are three lugs I44, for this purpose each lug being formed with a depending projection I45 which is adapted to form a stop for the flange I 42 of the displacement cylinder MI.

The flang I42 .(as best illustrated in Fig. 8) is cut away at I46 so that this cut-away part of the flange will clear the projection I45 of a lug I44 when thedisplacement cylinder is being moved. In other words, when the cut-away part I45 is oriented to an uppermost position, the displacement cylinder may be pulled out or pushed in past the lugs with sufficient clearance. with the cylinder in its desired longitudinal position it is necessary merely to rotateit on its longitudinal axis so that the remaining portion of the flange is brought against the inner wall of the selected lug projection I45.

Figure 6 illustrates such a location against the outermost lug I44, while Fig. 3 illustrates the displacement cylinder flange I42 against the innermost lug projection I45. After being brought into such located position, the flange of the displacement cylinder is locked in place by a spring clip I45a which may be slipped over the flange and over the particular stop lug involved.

The tank stem 25 (Figs. 3 and 6) is formed with a vertical bore I5I, the upper end of which leads to the interior of the supp y tank 25. This bore I5I communicates with a similar vertical bore I52 cut through the cylindrical casing stem 21. These aligned bores I5 I- and I 52 permit the milk or other contents B to flow down into the inner end of the valve casing 25. When the valve member I2I is in the position illustrated in Fig. 6, the wall of the valve extends across or shuts oil the bottom of the bore I52 and prevents further discharge of the milk or other liquid contents.

The valve member I2I in the outer wall of the filling chamber I24 is formed with a port I53 (Figs. 1 and 6). Thismrt is out of register with the bore I 52 and communication is blocked between the filling chamber I24 and the reservoir 25 when the valve is in the position of Fig. 6. When the valve member I2 I is rotated on its longitudinal axis to the position shown in Figs. 1 and 3 the port I53 is in communication with the bottom of the bor I52 and thereupon milk flows from the reservoir into the chamber I 24.

The stem 21 of the cylindrical casing 25 is cut through with asecond vertical bore I55 which communicates with a similar bore I55 cut through the reservoir stem 28. The two bores I55, I55 are parallel with the bores I5I and I52 and provide for a vent which terminates above the level of the liquid B in the tank 25. A vent tube I51 is mounted in the tank and its lower end is fitted tightly within the bore I55. The upper end of the tube is curved as at I58 its extreme end terminating within the tank and above the liquid level.

The lower end of the bore I55 where it opens into the filling chamber is disposed immediately rearwardly of the inner end of the valve member I2I, when the latter is in an innermost position as illustrated in Fig. 6. This is when the chamber is cut oil from the reservoir. When the valve member is in chamber filling position (Fig. 3) the valve is disposed in an outward longitudinal position, the change of positions being brought about through the cam action of the groove I28 cooperating with the'stationary pin I33, as has been hereinabove described.

This longitudinal movement of the valve I2I is utilized to obtain a more solid fill in the can by eliminating foam which may accumulate in the filling chamber as the milk passes from the reservoir. The foam floats at the top of the mas of liquid within the filling chamber and passes up into the vent bores I55, I55 and the vent tube I51, th more solid milk below the foam rising to near the level of milk in the reservoii'. Whenthemilkistobedischargedintothe can. which is when the inward movement of the valv I2I takes place, this movement slightly contracts or diminishes the capacity of the filling s chamber withtheresultthatpracticallyallof the foam is forced out through venttube back into the reservoir,

The actual amount of milk remaining to be filled into the can is a measured charge. that is.

10 the liquid within the filling chamber plus that within the vent tube. This is Just enough to fill the half-pint, pint or quart size of can A depending upon the capacity of the filling chamber as determined by the position of the displacement l5 cylinder.

When the can A is properly positioned to receive its measured charge the platform 45 is in a raised position so that the-filling opening of the can surrounds the nozzl section of the cy1ingo drical casing 25. Such a, lifting action moves the can from the position shown in Fig. 1 to that shown in Fig. 6. The nozzle 35 is provided with a vertical passageway I 55 which at the lower end communicates with a fan shaped discharge slot 5 I55. When the can A is in the filling position, this discharge slot is disposed below the top and is inside of the can.

The valve member I2I is formed with a lateral-opening I51 which provides an exit port 30 from the filling chamber I24 for the measured charge of milk when such opening is brought into alignment with the passageway I55 of the nozzle. Mechanism which will be hereinafter described, provides for this rotation of the valve member 5 so that such alignment is provided only when the filling chamber I24 contains its measured charge of milk and when the container A is in proper position to receive the measiued charge.

It will be observed by reference to Fig. 1 that w when the port I53 is in position to receive the milk from the bore I52 and from the reservoir that the discharge opening or port I51 is out of r alignment withthe nozzl passageway I55. Similarly when the opening I51 is aligned with the passageway I55 (Fig. 6) for discharge of the milk into the can, the port I53 is out of alignment with the bore I 52 thus blocking on com municatlon with the reservoir,

When the can A has been completely filled and the milk is drained from the filling chamber I24 and passageways associated with this draining action, the platform and the filled can A is then automatically lowered to complete the filling cycle. This actuation of the parts to provide M for the filling cycle will now be considered.

The housing frame 2I is provided with a horizontal web section "I (Fig. 1) on which an electric motor I12 is mounted. Motor I12 is suitably geared as at I13 to a gear I14 mounted on a horizontal drive shaft I15. The drive shaft extends into a suitable gear reduction box I15 also mounted on the'web.

The gear reduction box I15 contains the usual conventional gears to provide for an output shaft I11 which rotates at a slower speed than the input shaft I15. Shaft I11 (see also Figs. 2 and 9) carries a constantly rotating friction disc I18 which is keyed to the shaft. This disc is a movable part of a friction drive, the driven parts of which remain inactive on the rotating shaft until a can A is brought into proper position on the platform 45 and is pushed back into guide blocks I19 (Figs. 1 and 2) which are carried on the platform. These guide blocks 16 stop the can from being pushed back too far.

i ht in Fig. 2).

The driven parts of this friction drive comprise a barrel cam I9I (see also Fig. 9) which is loosely mounted on the shaft I11. The end of the shaft extends out beyond the cam (to the A compression spring I85 is carried on-the shaft where it projects beyond the cam and is interposed between a friction disc I86 acfiacent the outer face of the cam and a washer I81 which is held in place by locknuts I88.

The spring I95 tends to force the cam I8I against the constantly rotating friction disc I18. The cam will rotate in unison with the disc if it is not held against rotation. However, a locking device is provided for holding the cam against rotation until the cam A is brought into exact position for the beginning of the filling cycle whereupon one complete filling cycle takes place after which the cam is locked again. This feature now will be explained.

The cam I9I carries a pin .I9I which is radially disposed and which projects a slight distance beyond the periphery of the cam as best illustrated in Fig. 9. During the time that a container A is being brought into filling position, the pin I9I is held in a locking position by a second pin I92 which is mounted on a lever arm I93 which in its turn is pivoted on a stud I94. The stud I94 (see also Fig. 2) is carried in a support lug I95 which projects upwardly from the gear housing I16.

The lever arm I93 isformed with an L-shaped extension I96, the outer end of which is connected to the upper end of a vertically disposed spring I91. The lower end of the spring is fixed to the gear housing I16. The spring I91 tends to hold the lever arm I93 normally in a lowered position so that the pin I92 provides a stop for the pin I9I carried by the cam I8I. This is the position shown in Fig. 9.

The lever I93 also carries a setscrew I98 which. when the lever is in its lowered position, strikes against a stationary lug I99 formed on. the support lug I95. This is an adjustment and determines the lower position of the lever arm.

The release of thelocking pin I92 to set in motion the operating-parts for a filling cycle is accomplished through a control device best illustrated in Figs. 1, 9, 10 and 11. Such a control device comprises a sliding rod I which slides in a bearing 202 formed in the housing frame 2| and in a bearing block 203 mounted upon the top of the gear reduction box I16.

The forward end of the rod 20I carries a spring finger 204 which extends up alongside of but is spaced from the nozzle 38. This finger is engaged by the top of a can A when the can is placed on the platform 45 and is pushed back against guide blocks I19. The upper end of the finger 20I is guided in a support 206 formed in the frame 2I. A depending lug 201 alongside of the support limits the rearward movement of the finger. v

when the can A engages the finger 204 and pushes it back, a spring 208 carried on the rod 20I is compressed. This spring is a light spring and allows the rod to be held back even by the empty can. Spring 208 is interposed between the front vertical wall of the frame 2I and a head 209 formed at the forward end of the rod 20L This spring holds the rod 20! in its forward position as long as the platform is empty and in this normal forward position the finger 204 is in the path of the can A when the latter is placed into position for filling.

when the rod 26I moves back under pressure of the can and slides within its bearings 202, 203, a spring finger 2I I (Figs. 9, 10 and 11) is released to start the filling cycle. Finger 2 is radially disposed on a release disc 2I2 which is carried on a shaft M; which in turn is supported at the free end of the lever arm I93.

The control rod 20I is transversely slotted at 2I5 to a depth of about one-half the diameter of the rod. One wall of the slot 2I5 is inclined as at 2I6 and the opposite wall is cut back in a curved clearance section which forms a shoulder 2I8. It is against this shoulder that the spring finger 2 is normally held.

This is the position shown in Figs. 10 and 11 of the control rod and the spring finger. In this normal or-inoperative position the control rod is furthest toward the left and as long as the platform 45 does not have a can, the rod remains in its described position. When the control rod 20I is moved in. toward the left in Fig. 1 or toward the right in Figs. 10 and 11, the support shoulder 2! is moved out from its holding p ition where it supported the spring finger 2 which thereupon moves out through the slot 2I5 to begin the filling cycle. Such a movement is upwardly, as viewed in Figs. 9 and 10.

As soon as spring finger 2 is released, the disc 2I2 carrying the finger starts turning in a clockwise direction. The inclined wall! 2|. engaging the finger assists in such a movement. It will be observed by reference to Fig. 9 that the release disc 2I2 is not a true circle but is oblong in shape. On the rear, the disc is formed with a. greater mass as at 2I9 (Fig. 2)

so that the disc is weighted to rock on its shaft 2I3 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 9.

As soon as the spring finger 2 i released, this excess weight on the release disc drops that side of the disc. The weighted side is also greater in diameter so that it enga es the rotating friction disc I18 immediately therebelow.

The outer periphery of the disc :1: is knurled ately rotates in unison with the rotating shaft made one complete rotation while the filling cycle continues.

This is accomplished by the spring finger 2II striking against thecontrol rod 2". Since at such a time the can A is still on the platform, the control rod 29I is still held in its depressed position. At such time the spring finger strikes against the rod at the base of the inclined wall 2I8oftheslot2l5.

The shape of the release disc 2I2 is such that by the time the spring finger 2II nears the rod "I the lever arm I93 is lowered again to the position shown in Fig. 9. Disc 2I2 is cut away as at 223 so that even though the lever arm I93 is down, the knurled surface 220 of the disc 2I2 clears the knurled surface 22I of the disc I18.

- from the platform, the spring 208 slides the con-- trol rod back into normal position and the spring finger'2ll thereupon snaps back into the slot II and lodges against the shoulder 2I8.

It will be recalled that detailed description of the movement of the valve member I21 was postponed until the driving mechanism was explained. Such an explanation has now been made and the connection between" the valve movement and the actuating cam I8I can be given at this time.

Cam I8I is formed with a peripheral cam groove 225 (Figs. 2 and 9) in which operates a cam roller 228. This cam roller is carried on an,

arm 221 which is secured to one end of a short rock shaft 228. Shaft 228 is Journaled in a bearing 229 formed in the frame 2I.

Outside of the frame shaft 228 carries a lever arm 23l (see also Figs. 1 and 3) which is connectcd by a link 232 with a stud 233 carried on a projection 234 of the extension lug I21 on the valve I2I.

Accordingly,'as the rotating cam I8I rocks the shaft 228,.the resulting oscillation of the arm 23I causes the valve member I2I to rotate within the measuring cylinder 28 so that the milk which has been measured out in the filling chamber I24 during the rest period of the cam I8I, is discharged through the nozzle 88 into the raised containerA.

This flow of milk from the filling chamber at such a time through the passageway I65 and the aligned valve opening I81 is the result therefore both of the rotary motion of the valve member and its slight longitudinal movement which is brought about by action of the cam groove I28 riding over the pin I33 which has been described fully.

When the filling of the can A has beencompleted but just as the cam I8I is completing its single rotation with the rotating shaft I 11, the platforms 45 and SI are lowered. This is accomplished by a sliding forward of the rod IIII carrying its cam plate I06 and an actuation of the bell crank lever 98.

The rod III'I carries a block 235 (Figs. 1 and 2) on which a cam roller 238 is mounted. Just as the cam I8I brings its pin I9I against the stop pin I92 a projection 231 on the cam rides against the roller 236. This moves the cam plate I06 to its forward position and the platforms 45, are lowered. This completes the filling cycle. The filled can is then removed by hand and an empty can is placed on the platform 45 for filling.

The present machine, as has been intimated, is also arranged for closing the filled can. Accordingly, a can which has been filled is slid from the platform 45 onto the platform 5 I The can resting on the platform 5| is directly below a closing head 2 (Fig. 3) which is mounted in the semi-circular saddle 35. Such a closing head may be of any suitable construction, the Hothersall United States Patent 2,170,821, issued August 29, 1939, giving in detail a satisfactory head for this purpose. The 4 actuation of such a head may beeffected in suitable manner merely by the lifting of the platform 5|. This detail of a closing head is not a feature of the present invention and further description is deemed unnecessary.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will=be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all" of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred'embodiment thereof.

I claim: 1

1. An apparatus for filling liquid into positioned containers of varying heights, comprising a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid, a cylinder enclosing a measuring chamber for receiving liquid from said reservoir, a rotary valve in said measuring chamber for opening communication with said reservoir to withdraw a predetermined quantity of liquid from the reservoir supply, a platform located beneath said cylinder for supporting a container to be filled. actuating devices made effective upon the placing of a container in proper position on said platform for rotating" said valve to transferthe measured charge of liquid into the container on said platform, and means for securing said platform in a plurality of spaced vertical positions relative to said measuring chamber to maintain the top of a selected container at a uniform distance beneath said chamber.

2. An apparatus for filling liquid into Dositioned containers comprising a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid, a cylinder enclosing a measuring chamber for receiving liquid from said reservoir, a rotary valve in said measuring chamber for opening communication with said reservoir to withdraw a predetermined quantity of liquid from the reservoir supply, 8- platform located beneath said cylinder for supporting a container to be filled, and actuating devices made effective upon the placing of a container in proper position on said platform for rotating said valve to transfer the measured charge of liquid into the container on said platform, and means connected to said valve and operative when the latter is moved into discharge position to lessen the capacity of said measuring chamber and thereby to apply pressure on the measured charge (tiif liquid therein to facilitate the filling opera- 3. An apparatus for filling liquid having a tendency to foam into positioned containers, comprising a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid, a cylinder enclosing a measuring chamber for receiving liquid from said reservoir, a vent passage leading from said chamber to a position above said reservoir, a rotary valve in said measuring chamber for opening communication with said reservoir to withdraw a predetermined quantity of liquid from the reservoir supply to cause any foam-created in the liquid as it is withdrawn from said reservoir to enter said vent passage, a platform located beneath said cylinder for supporting a container to be fllled, and

actuating devices made effective upon the placing of a container in properposition on said platform for rotating said valve to transfer the measured charge of liquid into the container on ing both of the platforms said platform, and means for moving said valve longitudinally during rotation thereof to force the foam from said vent passage back into said reservoir as an incident to the liquid transfer into the container by reason of a diminution in volume of the measuring chamber caused by the longitudinal movement of the valve.

4. An apparatus for filling liquid into Dositioned containers of varying heights, comprising a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid, a cylinder for receiving liquid from said reservoir, a movable displacement cylinder located in said first mentioned cylinder for forming measuring chambers of varying capacity, a rotary valve in said chamber for opening communication with said reservoir to withdraw a predetemiined quantity of liquid from the reservoir supply as determined by the position of said displacement cylinder, a platform located beneath said cylinder for supporting a container to be filled, actuating devices for rotating said valve to transfer the measured charge of liquid into the container on said platform, a trip control unit operated by the placing of a container on said platform in proper position for making effective said actuating devices, and means for securing said platform in a plurality of spaced vertical positions relative to said measuring chamber to maintain the top of a selected container at a uniform distance beneath said chamber.

5. An apparatus for filling liquid into positioned containers comprising a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid, 9. cylinder enclosing a measuring chamber for receiving liquid from said reservoir, a valve having a closed end located in said measuring chamber and having rotative and longitudinal movement relative to said measuring cylinder, a discharge nozzle formed on said measuring cylinder and providing an outlet for said chamber, a platform located beneath said measuring cylinder for supporting a container to be filled, and actuating devices for lifting said platform and for inserting said nozzle in the raised container, said devices rotating said valve to discharge the measured charge of liquid into the container on said platform and also sliding the valve longitudinally to facilitate the filling operation by exerting pressure on the liquid in said chamber.

6. An apparatus for filling liquid into positioned containers comprising a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid, a cylinder enclosing a measuring chamber for receiving liquid from said reservoir, a valve located in said measuring chamber, a closing head mounted adjacent said measuring cylinder, a platform located beneath said measuring cylinder for supporting a container to be filled, a second platform located beneath said closing head for supporting a filled container for closing, actuating devices made effective upon the placing of a container in proper position on the first of said platforms for raisand for transferring the measured charge of liquid into the container on the first of said platforms, automatic means for depressing both of said platforms at the completion of one filling cycle, and means for manually lowering the platforms separately or in unison.

7. An apparatus for filling liquid into positioned containers comprising a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid, a cylinder enclosing a measuring chamber for receiving liquid from said reservoir, a rotary valve located in said measuring chamber, a platform located beneath said cylinder for supporting a container to be filled, a continuously moving driving mechanism, a driven cam mechanism, a clutch for connecting said cam with said driving mechanism, actuating devices made effective upon the placing of a container in proper position on said platform for operating said clutch to rotate said cam, the rotation of said cam being effective to rotate said valve for filling the measured charge of liquid into the container, timing means for terminating movement of the cam after one rotation to terminate a single filling cycle, and means actuated by said cam mechanism for depressing said supporting platform after said container has been fille 8. An apparatus for filling liquid into positioned containers, comprising a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid, 9. cylinder enclosing a measuring chamber for receiving liquid from said reservoir, a rotary valve in said measuring chamber for opening communication with said reservoir to withdraw a predetermined quantity of liquid from the reservoir supply, constantly operating driving instrumentalities, a platform located beneath said cylinder for supporting a container to be filled, a trip control unit adapted to be moved by the placing of a container in proper position on said platform to connect said valve with said driving instrumentalities, means actuated by said driving instrumentalities for elevating said platform to place the container into filling position, and means actuated by said driving instrumentalities for rotating said valve to transfer the measured charge of liquid into the container on said platform.

9. An apparatus for filling liquid into positioned containers, comprising a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid, a cylinder enclosing a measuring chamber for receiving liquid' from' said platform in a lowered container receiving position, actuating devices made effective upon the placing of a container in proper position on said platform to release said platform from said holding means, means rendered effective by the release of said platform to elevate the latter to position the supported container over said nozzle, and means for rotating said valve to transfer the measured charge of liquid into the container on said elevated platform.

10. An apparatus for filling liquid into positioned containers, comprising a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid, a cylinder enclosing a measuring chamber for receiving liquid from said reservoir, a rotary valve located in said measuring chamber for transferring liquid from said reservoir into said chamber, a discharge nozzle formed on said cylinder and providing an outlet for said chamber, a platform located beneath said cylinder for supporting a container,

through said nozzle and into the container on said platform, timing means for terminating certain machine movements after completion of one filling cycle, and cam actuated means for depressing said platform after completion of said 5 filling cycle to bring the filled container into said lowered position.

11. An apparatus for filling liquid into positioned containers, comprising a reservoir for holding a supply of liquid, a cylinder enclosing 10 a measuring chamber for receiving liquid from said reservoir, said chamber having a dispensing nozzle and a vent, a rotary valve having a closed end located in said measuring chamber, a

platform located beneath said measuring cylin- 15 der for supporting a container to be filled, a continuously moving driving mechanism, an intermittently moving driven mechanism, a clutch for connecting said driving and said driven mechanisms, and actuating devices made effec- .tive upon the placing of a container in proper ,position on said platform for operating said -clutch so that the container is raised over said nozzle, said actuating devices being effective to rotate said valve, and means operative upon the rotation of said valve for moving the same lonj gitudinaliy to apply pressure on and to transfer the measured charge of liquid into the container on said platform.

JOHN D. LE FRANK. 

